Tops’ White among Burlsworth nominees
Western Kentucky redshirt senior defensive back Christian White has been named a nominee for the 2026 Burlsworth Trophy.
(WKU ATHLETICS)
Western Kentucky defensive back Christian White has been named a nominee for the 2026 Burlsworth Trophy.
The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field. There were 65 players from Division I FBS schools nominated for the award, which is in its 17th year.
White is in his first season at WKU after transferring from Florida State, where he began his career as a walk-on in 2022. He has appeared in all eight games this season, including two starts. White has recorded 13 tackles this season, including nine solo tackles.
White arrived at WKU after starting his college career with four seasons at Florida State. In his final season with the program in 2025, he recorded five tackles over five games. He played in Florida State’s final two games during the 2024 season and tallied the first three tackles of his career. He appeared in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2023 and played in one game during his true freshman season in 2022 before redshirting.
White prepped at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, where he played both offensively and defensively. He tallied six interceptions, including four his senior season, and returned one for a touchdown. He caught five passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. As a senior, he helped lead the Chargers to the semifinal round of the Class A Private State Playoffs, and as a junior, he helped contribute on defense for a team that allowed just 14.7 points per game and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. He played on a state championship team as a sophomore. He also played basketball and baseball.
The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, who was a former walk-on at Arkansas who went on to be an All-American offensive lineman. Burlsworth walked on at Arkansas in 1994 and became a three-year starter. He was eventually named an All-American in 1998, and was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, but he was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, particularly those children who have limited opportunities.
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“Even with all the changes in college football, the walk-on athlete continues to play an incredibly important role in this game,” Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and Brandon’s older brother, said in a news release. “These young men understand what it means to work for an opportunity, overcome obstacles and make the most of every chance they are given. Their journeys are what this award is all about. Brandon’s story is a reminder that where you start does not determine where you can finish.”
The Burlsworth Trophy Selection Committee will announce semifinalists on Nov. 10 and three finalists on Nov. 17. The 2026 Burlsworth Trophy winner will be announced at the annual Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on Dec. 7 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
WKU returns to action on Saturday at Middle Tennessee. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
